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"The Skinny" On Today's Historic Election

Last updated on Tuesday, November 4, 2008

(UNDATED) - Today is the big day for anyone who cares who the next leaders of our community, state and nation will be.

Voting turnout is expected to be heavy despite already-heavy turnout at early voting polls. Depending on where you vote, you could wind up waiting no longer than it takes to walk from the parking lot to the door, or you may end up waiting up past your bedtime.

Here in Lawrence County, County Clerk Myron Rainey advises he has enough voting machines for each of the county's 39 precincts to have at least 3. Each precinct will have at least 1 newer black MicroVote Inifinity machine which is handicapped accessible, and 2 of the older, more familiar blue MicroVote voting machines.

Polls are already open, though, so if you haven't voted yet, head on out and be heard. Polls in Indiana officially opened at 6:00 this morning, and will close down at 6:00pm tonight, which is when the counting will begin.

If you've never voted before, or it's been a while, there's a few things you should know before you head to the polls. First off, you need a photo ID to cast a regular ballot. If you have an Indiana driver's license or ID, a military ID, or a government issued passport, you're fine.

If you don't, get to the BMV right away to get one. BMV branches statewide should be open until 7:00pm tonight.

If you can't get one in time, or, for personal reasons, refuse to get one, you can cast a provisional ballot at your polling place, and then you have 10 days to clear it up and make sure it gets counted at the county courthouse.

When you get to the polls, don't wear your Obama or McCain t-shirts, buttons, hats, or have anything on you or with you with any candidate's name or campaign material on it. Also, at the risk of sounding rude, be quiet!

Once you pass the "point of no return," Indiana law prohibits you from talking to anyone except poll workers, and you could get the boot, and possibly a fine, for talking politics especially.

That could be "electioneering."

And if you need to know where you vote, check out the Election Center's Poll List or visit indianavoters.com.

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